Chapter 377: The Traitor’s Dilemma

These people received a substantial amount of funding from the Kelas Group and began to research and crack the Mingyue Group’s technology.

Half a year passed, and the Kelas Group finally made a major breakthrough. They successfully cracked the Mingyue Group’s core technology and, based on that, developed even more advanced products.

This discovery made the executives at the Kelas Group ecstatic. They began preparations to launch the products on the market.

During this process, the Kelas Group’s technical staff discovered some problems. They found that some of the Mingyue Group’s technology had flaws, which could cause issues with the product in the future. So, they reported this problem to Chairman Kelas.

After hearing the technicians’ report, Chairman Kelas’s brow furrowed. He pondered for a moment before saying, "This problem is indeed serious. We need to solve it immediately, or our products could face enormous risks."

The technicians all expressed their willingness to work overtime to solve the problem. Chairman Kelas nodded and added, "Very good. I have faith in your abilities. As long as we work together, we can certainly overcome this difficulty."

After a period of hard work, the Kelas Group’s technical staff finally found a solution. They redesigned some key components and conducted multiple experiments, only launching the product after ensuring there were no issues.

Two months later, the Kelas Group’s new production line was already taking shape, and the samples were all complete. Chairman Kelas was very pleased. He told his assistant, Miss Manli, "Go to the television station right now. Tell them we’re going to hold a press conference. Let everyone know we’ve created many new products that even the Mingyue Group can’t match."

Miss Manli hesitated. She reminded the Chairman, "All of our technology was stolen from the Mingyue Group. Is it really a good idea to hold a high-profile press conference for products we’ve made with it?"

But Chairman Kelas just smiled and said, "Whoever can take the technology and make a product, owns that product. What does it have to do with the Mingyue Group? As long as we can make a better product, it’s our victory."

Having no other choice, Miss Manli went to the television station and found Director Ouyang. She said to him, "We’re from the Kelas Group. We’re hoping to hold a press conference through your station and also run advertisements for our products."

However, Director Ouyang told her, "We only work with the Mingyue Group. I hope you won’t make things too difficult for us. As for Mingyue Group’s rivals, we do not cooperate with them."

Miss Manli was met with a slammed door. She had no choice but to return and tell Chairman Kelas that she had failed. Upon hearing this, his expression darkened. He asked Miss Manli, "Are you sure? Is there no other way?"

Miss Manli nodded and said helplessly, "Yes. The director stated clearly that he only works with the Mingyue Group and is unwilling to work with us."

On a sunny afternoon, Chairman Kelas and Miss Manli sat in the company’s executive conference room. Miss Manli had a dejected look on her face, clearly having suffered a setback.

Chairman Kelas looked at her, knowing she must have run into trouble at the television station. Without showing any emotion, he gently poured her a cup of coffee and asked warmly, "Manli, did the negotiation at the station not go well?"

Miss Manli sighed helplessly and said, "Chairman, I’m sorry. That Director Ouyang Xiong is very difficult. He said it’s impossible for us to work with them because they’ve already signed a contract with the Mingyue Group. They only recognize Chen Qingdi, not us."

Chairman Kelas smiled and shook his head. "Manli, you’re still too naive. It’s not that complicated. They aren’t loyal to people, they’re loyal to money."

Miss Manli looked at the Chairman in surprise and asked, "Then, next time we go to talk to him, can we bring five hundred thousand US Dollars?"

Chairman Kelas nodded. "Of course. But you must remember, this is just a strategy. If he still refuses to cooperate, it means he’s truly a man of principle. But in this world, there are very few of those."

Miss Manli fell silent, not knowing how to respond to the Chairman’s suggestion. She knew he was an experienced man, but she was uncertain about the morality and appropriateness of his method.

Chairman Kelas noticed her hesitation and continued.

"Manli, you have to understand, business is a game. In this game, only those who dare to take risks, who dare to experiment, can succeed. The ones who stick to their principles are often defeated by reality."

Miss Manli was silent for a moment, then said, "Alright, Chairman. I will follow your advice."

A few days later, Miss Manli returned to the television station, bringing the five hundred thousand US Dollars with her.

She found Director Ouyang Xiong and placed the money directly on his desk. Director Ouyang Xiong was stunned when he saw the money and asked Miss Manli what this was supposed to mean.

Miss Manli smiled and said, "This is a token of my company’s sincerity. We hope to cooperate with your station to create an even better program. If you agree to cooperate, this money is for your troubles."

Director Ouyang Xiong was silent for a moment after hearing this. Then he said, "Miss Manli, you certainly know how to get things done. But I must tell you, our contract is with the Mingyue Group. We cannot violate the spirit of that agreement."

Miss Manli was not disappointed; she had anticipated this.

She replied calmly, "I understand your concerns, but you must know that the business world is full of variables. If we can offer you greater benefits and opportunities, would you be willing to reconsider?"

Director Ouyang Xiong fell into deep thought. He was not a greedy man, but he understood the rules of the business world. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke.

"Alright, I will report your proposal to my superiors. But we must be clear on one thing: if we reach an agreement, the contract must stipulate that your company is our partner."

Miss Manli was thrilled to hear this; she knew the negotiation had achieved its initial success. She nodded in agreement. "Of course. I will report your requirements to my company. I’m confident we can reach an understanding."

「Two days later, in a VIP room at the Rose Grand Hotel.」

Chen Qingdi and Ouyang Xiong sat across from each other, sipping wine and enjoying the fine cuisine on the table.

"Chairman Chen, the Kelas Group has already sent someone to see me."

"They want to discuss an advertising deal, and they’re also planning to hold a press conference. I was wondering what our strategy is to handle this?"